Dec 28, 2013

Of all of the skin problems that ail us, among the most tenacious is sensitivity. If you suffer from sensitive skin, you know that even a search for facial cleanser alone means an hour or two spent in the beauty aisles, hunting down a soap-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance free concoction. Unfortunately, if you're trying to do the whole natural beauty thing, this is even more of a challenge, especially if you're particularly sensitive to essential oils.

But, the sensitive skinned among us can rejoice because Evercle̅n has the answer to your prayers with their line of products that "say no" to soap, fragrance, parabens, gluten, phthalates, petroleum, colors, DEA’s and sodium lauryl sulfate. Shew! What a mouthful! But you get it. Evercle̅n is basically giving people with sensitive skin a chance at using natural products and I love it!

Their line includes a face cream, facial cleanser, facial toner, hand cream, eye cream and body lotion. Of all of these products, I favored both the face cream* and the body lotion*. Though I couldn't use the face cream all over my entire face due to a glycerin sensitivity, I used it as an eye cream and it was light and incredible. Actually, if you're looking for a natural alternative to the not-so-natural sensitive skin favorite, Cerave, this would be an amazing option.

*Photo via betterlife.com

Another of their products I really loved was the body lotion. Very similar in texture to the face cream, the body lotion is non-greasy, but very moisturizing. It's not often that one comes across a combination like this in a body lotion. Usually you're left sacrificing moisture for non-greasiness or vice versa.

*Photo via betterlife.com

If you've got sensitive or intolerant skin, I highly suggest you take a look at Evercle̅n's products. The entire line can be purchased here (and at very reasonable prices, if you ask me).

Have you tried these products? Are you as happy as I am about a natural line that isn't fragranced?

The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost. Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Dec 25, 2013

When it comes to loungewear, everyone has their preferences. Some like a comfy sweatpant and others prefer the flannel approach. I myself am a cotton boxer kind of girl. My love of boxers all started with this one pair I bought from American Eagle for no reason in the ninth grade. They were covered in gold fish and beer, which is not exactly a winning combination if you're looking to feel cute or girly. Eventually, though, I graduated to different patterns: striped, neon cassette tapes, etc., but something was always lacking in the structure and style. Thankfully, my recent discovery of Paxton 1345 has been a total boxer game changer.

The Nevis Boxers *Photo via Paxton1345.com

Paxton 1345 is one of the best companies to go to if you're looking for lounge pants and boxers structured specifically for women (and men too!). With a slogan like "Not your daddy's boxers!," you can expect anything but stiff or boring from Paxton 1345. Plus, the Turkish cottons they use are so incredibly soft, creating the perfect boxer experience every time.

But, if all this talk of patterns and soft cotton wasn't enough to interest you, there's more. All of Paxton 1345's boxers and pants are monogrammable, meaning you can personalize each pair with your own initials or with your sorority's letters, amongst many other things. So, although it may be a little late to purchase Christmas gifts, these would make the perfect gift idea for your boyfriend's birthday or you sister's wedding shower! Plus, I've got a sweet discount for you. Use the promo code: SimplySkin15 and receive 15% off your purchase on Paxton1345.com!

What about you? Do you have a preference when it comes to loungewear? How do you feel about boxers?

The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost. Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Dec 9, 2013

Happy (almost) holidays, lovely readers. If you're like me, you've fully begun to embrace the Christmas spirit and are swapping study time for hot cocoa-and-movies-with-the-roomies sessions despite the fact that yes, finals are coming. Actually, it's funny how much more productive I am in school unrelated matters when school should be the only thing that matters.

For instance, I had time to paint my nails this weekend (something I haven't done since September). And, instead of going to the oxblood trend of the season, I went with my trusty Diamonds and Rubies by Sally Hansen. You say passé, I say classic. Plus, it reminds me of stockings and Santa's suit. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the holiday season!

What nail polish are you sporting today? Have you decided to go with the trends or get back to the basics like me?

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try the Binchotan Facial Puff* because I am already addicted to konjac sponges (see this post and this post). I was even more pleased to discover that this particular "facial puff" is one of the more cleansing ones I've tried. The Binchotan Charcoal is definitely a contributing factor in this.

Also, another of their products that I was particularly fascinated by is the Binchotan Toothbrush*. Not only were the black bristles cool, but the fact that this toothbrush is infused with actual charcoal is pretty awesome as well. I haven't found that it cleans my teeth and better or worse than my trusty Crest toothbrush, but it definitely has a little more sex appeal (if toothbrushes can have that).

If you would like to try out the Binchotan Charcoal products for yourself, they can be purchased here. And even if you don't buy anything, I would highly suggest a visit to Morihata's website. They have some incredible and unique products to offer.

So, what is your opinion on these charcoal products? Do you believe the hype?

The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost. Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Dec 4, 2013

A little prancercising here and some black booties there, check out this Wednesday Roundup to see what I'm loving this week!Work It
As a YouTube connoisseur, I was surprised when my friends showed me this video I'd never seen before. I wouldn't workout like this in public myself, but I can totally appreciate her confidence (not to mention her killer pink cardigan and ankle weights).

Watch It
Tell me this: is there one single person alive who doesn't appreciate an adorable puppy/baby interaction? I think not.

Wear It
Today's "Wear It" is a smidge biased as I just bought something similar to the shoes below, but as many of you know ankle booties are very in as of late. This adorable pair by Jessica Simpson is affordable and also available in dark brown and a lighter taupe-y brown.

Want It
When it comes to holiday festivities, you always want to look like the best, most sparkly holiday version of yourself. The Marc Jacobs Beauty Lightshow Luminizing Powder will help you achieve a glow which rivals that of someone who just found 50 Tiffany's boxes beneath her Christmas tree.

Nov 27, 2013

As you all know, when it comes to Wednesday Roundup, I am all over the place. For this reason, I've decided to compartmentalize my thoughts into four sections: Work It, Watch It, Wear It and Want It. Check it out and enjoy. Happy Wednesday!

Work It

I'm notoriously cheap in the fitness department, and as a result, I'm usually found working out in my room to the tune of whatever YouTube workout I can find. My most recent favorite is the "Standing Abs Exercises" video from FitnessBlender. It doesn't require crunches or fancy equipment, making it perfect for those of us just looking to tone up a little with minimal investment or pain.

Watch It

Call me crazy (or at least beauty-obsessed), but I love watching skincare routine videos on YouTube. Chances are, if you're into routines, you do too. The latest and greatest routine video I've found is Vivianna of Vivianna Does Makeup. This is like pure product porn for all of my fellow skincare junkies.

Wear It

Welcome to Thanksgiving week, where sweatpants are (almost) always acceptable attire, especially post-food coma. Here's some adorable options by Aerie. P.S. it's 40% off right now, so head on over to ae.com/aerie ASAP.

Nov 25, 2013

Philosophical question: does the early bird still get the worm if the only reason she's up early enough to get the worm is because she procrastinated on getting the worm in the first place? Just something to think about.

In case any of you are wondering why this bird is up so early, it's because I procrastinated on a Spanish paper (the proverbial worm in this scenario). The procrastination is going to continue on for a minute as I tell you about my latest discovery, which is Lulu Organics Hair Powder in Lavender-Clary Sage.

Not only does this dry shampoo make procrastination easier since I won't have to wash my hair this a.m., but it also smells ah-mazing, very clean and somewhat herb-y. I was once (and kinda still am on some occasions) a steadfast baby powder fan, but I got tired of smelling like a baby when I didn't feel like washing my hair. For this reason, I recently went out in search of something new and I stumbled upon the Lulu Organics hair powder. It apparently has its own cult following, which I love!

Cult products usually achieve their "cult" status for a reason and I'm happy to say that the reason the Lavender-Clary Sage Hair Powder is a cult fave is because it keeps your locks smellin' good and grease free on "days of unwash," as they so eloquently put it. I've been using my this hair powder quite a lot in these past couple of weeks and it really has done its job. Not only can I sleep in for the extra 30 minutes I might typically use to shower on days like today, but I can also carry the conveniently small powder in my purse for touch ups on the go!

You can purchase the Lulu Organics Hair Powder online here. They also have a few other scents, including Jasmine, Patchouli + Amber and Vetiver + Black Pepper, just in case Lavender-Clary Sage doesn't tickle your fancy.

Have you tried the Lulu Organics Hair Powder? Do you have any other dry shampoo faves?

Nov 23, 2013

If you're into beauty like me, chances are your grooming routine is rather extensive. It also undoubtedly involves some tools that leave your boyfriend, or even some of your friends, scratching their heads (looking at you, facial extractor). Below you'll find a list of my favorite, not-so-confusing beauty tools that I fully believe are worth an investment. Have a look-see!

1. Tweezerman Tweezers: Any pair of tweezers is about the same when you're looking at the short game. However, in the long run, Tweezerman tweezers are miles ahead. Once you've dulled these bad boys up (and trust me, it will happen), you can send them in to Tweezerman and have them sharpened for free. So pay $25 versus $10 only one time and have a great pair of tweezers for life.

Gen-yoo-wine snake skin

2. The beautyblender: Yes, paying $20 for a makeup sponge seems a little ridiculous, but to be quite honest, the materials of the cheap dupes I've encountered pale in comparison to the materials of the real deal beautyblender. Also, the beautyblender makes a colorless version, which I think is far safer than the popular dyed options (even those offered by beautyblender itself). Most importantly, though, it makes your makeup look airbrushed and who doesn't love that?

3. Revlon Emeryl File: I used to be the girl who changed her nail polish every three days, but due to a serious lack of time these days, my nails are typically bare. BUT, they're always shapely. I have my beloved Revlon Emeryl File to thank for this. One of the worst things ever is trying to file your nails with a frayed emery board. With the Emeryl file, this never happens. This durable metal file lasts for ages and will never fray. Did I mention that it only costs $3? You need this.

4. The Clarisonic: I must say, I was on the fence about including this one. Not only is it the most cliched beauty investment ever, but it's also not easily accessible to everyone, especially my readers on a college budget. I really do love my Clarisonic Mia, but dropping $100 or more isn't the only way to get a good face scrubbin'. If the Clarisonic is in your budget, great. Go get one. However, if not, some decent alternatives are this pink silicon scrublet from Sephora or a soft baby washcloth.

As far as beauty tools go, these are all of my favorites. What tools do you all keep around? Anything investment-worthy?

Nov 21, 2013

As a daily ritual most of us partake in, I fully believe that showering should be an indulgent experience. And when I say this, I don't mean expensive. Indulgent, to me, means using products that make you feel expensive. While my shower routine is actually quite simple at the moment, these following products make me feel pretty fancy.

I love the smell of rosemary and this shampoo and conditioner combo by Avalon Organics does it well. If I'm being honest, though, the conditioner half of this pair is moot when it comes to moisturizing. It's reminiscent of my experience with Shea Moisture's Deep Treatment Masque. However, they both volumize like no one's business, which is what they claim to do. No serious complaints here.

This soap by Nubian Heritage is a true gem. The chai scent is very light, unlike many other heavily spiced renditions of the drink. Rose extracts add a touch of sweetness. This soap is seriously one of my favorite shower finds in a while!

Nov 20, 2013

Sorry, you all. I know it's been a couple of weeks since I've had the chance to do a Wednesday Roundup. It's actually one of my favorite segments on this here blog but, unfortunately, I just haven't had the time to do one as of late. However, now that I've found a couple hours to spare, I want to tell you what I consider to be some of this week's best discoveries. Enjoy!

The Toronto Mayor
For those of you who don't follow social media or watch much television, Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto, has become a bit of a running joke in the media. Not only did he admit to smoking crack, but he admitted to doing it while in a "drunken stupor." I'm not much for political or social commentary, but this guy is just too funny not to talk about. Check out this nice little BuzzFeed compilation of Rob Ford, "The World's Greatest Mayor" (and ignore some of the dirty language, please).

*Photo via huffingtonpost.ca

Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly
This once highly respected beauty cure-all has been catching a lot of bad press as of late. Sure, it may not be sustainably produced like many more "natural" salves or balms, but sensitive skin like mine can really find refuge in this non-irritating product during the cold winter months.

*Photo via unilever.com

One thing you should know before using petroleum jelly is that it is an occlusive agent, meaning it does not actually moisturize, but rather it traps in moisture. Vaseline is best used on damp skin or over another balm or oil. I've been using it as an eye cream at night. I simply apply it to my damp under eye area after getting out of the shower and it seals in some of the moisture from the water. Also, a few swipes on dry cheeks before stepping out into the cold can prevent windburn. For those of you that really hate the idea of using a petroleum-based product, I've been told that Waxelene is a good alternative (though I've not actually tried it myself).

Celebrities Without Makeup
No, I'm not trying celeb-shame by advising you to check them out without their makeup on, but I AM, however, trying to remind you that even seemingly flawless celebrities need concealer. Check out this post on Daily News for a welcomed reality check.

*Photo via nydailynews.com

Alrighty, folks...that's all I've got for today. Have the happiest of Wednesdays!

Charcoal, for most people, conjures images of summer barbecues rather than skincare, but I assure you that the stuff used to grill your burgers is not the same as what The October Union is using in their face masks. So stop thinking Kingsford and start thinking elegant cosmetic charcoal.

Charcoal is actually a highly prized skincare ingredient, admired for its purifying properties. Currently, Kimie uses willow bark charcoal in the Charcoal Detox Mask + Spot Fix, but she will soon be switching to coconut shell or bamboo charcoal, depending upon which is more sustainably harvested. Could this brand get any better?

But back to the mask... We all know my skin is super picky, so I asked Kimie to remove the cayenne pepper and cinnamon and a few other ingredients. While I actually do like cinnamon in some occasional facial applications (see this previous post), I figured it might prove to be more than my skin could handle in combination with the charcoal. Perhaps I'll brave it for my next jar, though, and leave every ingredient in, especially since I've had such great results with this mask.

Pretty products on a dirty window sill... Sorry about that!

What I love about this mask, specifically, is its use of charcoal and himalayan pink salt to deeply cleanse. I swear my face takes a breath of fresh air after I've removed it. Not to mention, a little goes a long way. You can mix a teensy bit of this mask, which comes in powder form, with the liquid of your choice (I like chamomile tea, manuka honey or Wildroot Botanicals Rose Geranium Hydrosol) and it will cover your whole face.

Kimie also sent over two samples, one of her Love + Kindness Balm and the other of her Pomegranate + Cocoa Tinted Lip Salve. Both of these products were amazing as well, but I'm especially in love with the Tinted Lip Salve. It's got the perfect hint of color and moisturizes so well, which is definitely something I need on these cold fall days we've been having as of late. You can buy these two products here or here.

Oct 26, 2013

I honestly hate doing negative reviews, especially when the brand that I'm reviewing was founded on such great principle's as Indie Lee's. And, before I getting down and dirty, I have to remind you that my skin can be über finicky, so this product may very well work for you... it just didn't do the trick for me.

But, the packaging is so gorgeous and simple... ugh!

The Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner has a fairly simple formula, thus it's original appeal to me. Its ingredients are: water, aloe, Co-Q10, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, sage, papaya leaf extract, cucumber extract, bitter orange flower oil, phenoxyethanol and ethelhexylglycerin. I mean, don't you just love the idea of all these natural botanical extracts working to improve your complexion? I know I do. However, I believe papaya and orange flower oil are responsible for some of the breakouts I experienced while using this due to mild irritation.

In defense of this toner, I purchased it when it was still very warm outside and the hyaluronic acid and aloe combo was possibly just too moisturizing for me at the time. My skin always felt so sticky, and eventually oily, after I applied this. It is possible that the excess moisture was the main contributing factor to my breakouts rather than the ingredients themselves. This means it could work amazingly for those of you with dry skin.

It's really unfortunate that I can't pinpoint exactly what it is about this toner that my skin doesn't agree with, especially since I want to like it so bad. I'm hoping it was simply too moisturizing for my skin during the warmer late summer/ early fall months. I may even retry the stuff now that it's colder outside, because my complexion has been looking a little dry and lackluster lately.

I must say that after reading a ton of rave reviews, I was a little disappointed. However, I'm not going to let my experience with this product to turn me off to the brand as a whole. I've still got my eyes on the Brightening Cleanser and Blemish Stick. Also, should I retry this toner during the winter months and like it, I will be back on this blog, writing a post and eating my words. Seasons change and so does your skin, so you just never know.

Have you all tried any Indie Lee products? I would love to hear about your experiences with this brand.

Oct 22, 2013

I was browsing through the skincare section on Etsy.com recently when I came across an interesting new brand, The October Union. The October Union, owned and operated by Kimie Rosenthal in Ventura, Ca., boasts an impressive offering of made-to-order products, including everything from an Herbal Face Tonic to Botanical Perfume Oils. After placing my order (the Charcoal Detox Mask+ Spot Fix, a new fave), I decided to get more acquainted with the brand through an interview with the super friendly Kimie. Read below to learn about her favorite products, skincare routine and more!

*Photo via theoctoberunion.com

Why did you decide to get into natural skincare? It
was like I fell down the rabbit hole. I’ve always had a “nose," meaning
I can pick up a scent in the air or on somebody and I am almost always able
to determine what its source is. I’ve always loved to collect and try
new perfumes and beauty products (from stores like Sephora...what girl
doesn’t?) and I was subconsciously buying “green” products. Then, I was
given a bottle of homemade lavender essential oil for my birthday and I
think that’s when it clicked. I wore that lavender essential oil as perfume and as
time passed I started to became super sensitive to synthetic scents in
perfumes, hair products, laundry detergents, etc. If something had any
synthetic scent in it, it would leave me with a headache and a feeling of
frustration. So I started making my own perfumes by blending essential
oils and I became so fascinated with it. I started studying natural
perfumery and trying exotic oils and resins. I became, in a sense,
obsessed. I studied aromatherapy, which led me to herbalism and natural
skincare, and now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. It is a blessing
that I can share compassion and connect with nature at the same time.

What is your favorite ingredient to use and why?It’s hard to choose just one, but my
favorite ingredient is probably rose petals. It sounds simple, but the
color is just so beautiful and their scent, so faint and lovely.
Another one is Labdanum, a thick, sticky resin extracted from the Cistus
plant. The smell sends me over the moon! Those are definitely my favorites.

*Photo via eofdreams.com

*Photo via wikipedia.org

Which product from The October Union range is your absolute favorite? Night Oil, hands down. It is such a unique blend of seriously healing and nurturing oils. Also, the scent is so lovely. I’ve
never seen anything else like it and I’m very proud that I came up with
its one of a kind formula:) Also, I just made an awesome aftershave
tonic for guys and its packaging is my most favorite. Ever. Not
surprisingly, the aftershave is wonderful as well (say the men who’ve
tested it).

*Photo via theoctoberunion.com

What has been the biggest challenge for you in creating natural and effective skincare?Getting people to give up the junk they’ve
been using and make the switch to completely natural. Skincare can
become a vicious cycle if you are using the wrong products. Going
completely natural will almost always improve the condition of the skin.
It’s better for us and it’s better for the rest of the planet.Tell
me about your daily skincare routine, morning and evening.
Additionally, include any products, such as masks, oils and mists,
which you don’t use everyday.My
skincare routine has become fairly simple since I started using my own
creations. In the morning, I usually only wash with warm water,
raw honey or our Cleansing Grains. At night, if I’m not too tired, I
use an oil cleanser or our Honey+Rose scrub followed by a face oil based
on what my skin needs. Recently, I’ve been using plain almond oil at
night. A couple times a week I’ll use a toner, like our Herbal Tonic,
after cleansing and once a month I’ll use a mask or herbal steam to deep
clean. I usually don’t wear face make-up so I don’t really feel the
need to cleanse my face with a soap or foaming cleanser. Because of
this, I feel my skin has become more balanced. When I do need to remove
make up, I use an oil cleanser and our eye makeup remover (I’ll be
releasing an oil cleanser available in the shop very soon). If I have
some pimples come up, especially around my moon cycle, I’ll dab on some Charcoal Detox Mask + Spot Fix to those spots and leave it on for a
while. This always helps them to not get worse, heal and go away faster.
I carry a hydrosol mist with me and an constantly spraying my face,
hair and body with it throughout the day to refresh. My favorite hydrosol is, of
course, rose. <3

*Photo via theoctoberunion.com

So there you have it, folks! Kimie is clearly well-versed in her craft and swears by her own products. There's not much more you can ask for when it comes to skincare products. Stay tuned for my own review of her products (hint, hint... they're all amazing!).

Oct 16, 2013

Buenos días, as they would say if we were in Mexico (and, oh, how I wish we were). While this week has been just about as busy as the last few, I am excited about my little getaway to Chicago this weekend where I'll be watching my boyfriend run in the Men's Health Urbanathalon®. It should be a good time. I know it's supposed to be pretty chilly there, but I've got my chunky sweaters and I am so ready for it...and the Chicago-style hot dogs and pizza. Yum!

So, what have I got for you all on this lovely Wednesday? Let's see...

Sugar Paper LA
Sugar Paper, Los Angeles designs some adorable little notebooks that make your average Mead notebooks look somewhat inadequate. I always keep a small notebook in my purse for ideas and things, so as soon as I've filled my current one up, I'll be hitting them up for a new one. For some reason, their aesthetic seems kind of Lauren Conrad-y to me and I am so into it. Also, starting on October 27th, they will be sold at Target for a limited time. Yay!

*Photo via sugarpaper.com

InStyle: Amy Poehler
I kind of cracked up when I read Amy Poehler's recent "On My Mind" in Instyle and I thought it was just too good not to share. I love how she doesn't take herself too seriously and I personally think it's good practice to laugh at yourself at least once a day. Thankfully, I'm pretty clumsy, so it's not too hard for me.

My picture is a little too small to read, so here's the best quotes:

"My daily beauty regimen... like any young woman, I cover myself in whale oil, put on a pair of wax lips and head out the door..."
"What do I keep in my purse? A tiny man. He hands me things as I need them. My monocle, my mustache-- you know, the basics."
"I wore Stella McCartney... All her pieces feel special and match my signature accessory: a fake solid-gold hand."

Etsy Addicts Anonymous
Ok, so I'm officially addicted to Etsy. I recently purchased three things from there in one week, so get ready for some serious Etsy Finds, plus an interview with The October Union's Kimie Rosenthal!

That's a lot of product and little embarrassment...

So, that's all I've got. Have you all anything to share on this fine Wednesday?

Oct 8, 2013

As a very girly girl, I always surprise myself by preferring more masculine scents. From the perfume oil I use almost every day to my lavender deodorant to my body wash, it never fails that I pick scents most would consider to be "unisex." Perhaps it's because I think wearing scents that translate effortlessly well for both men and women is just cool. Do you agree or disagree?

PLANT, one of my fave newly discovered brands, has made body washes with surprising scent combos that break the mold of your typical store-bought options that generally lean strongly towards either masculinity or femininity. The two body wash samples I received from them, GET IT ON* and WAKE UP*, were both awesome and oh, so unisex.

*Photo via plantbrooklyn.com

GET IT ON combines organic rosemary extract and the organic essential oils of cedarwood, ginger and myris sandalwood to create a sexy, full-bodied scent that doesn't evoke any unwanted memories of Victoria's Secret Love Spell. It's an effortless sexy, like a hot guy in jeans and a soft t-shirt.

*Photo via plantbrooklyn.com

WAKE UP offers a more refreshing scent, using organic rosemary extract and the organic essential oils of rosemary and lemongrass to stimulate your senses (am I sounding like a 5® Gum commercial yet?). I could be totally off here, but it kind of makes me think of wasabi, not in the typical wasabi-clearing-your-sinuses way, though. It's very nice.

All of PLANT's body washes use the same base of saponified organic oils of coconut, olive and jojoba, vegetable gum, glycerin extract and organic aloe vera. The formula resembles that of a classic Castile soap, but much milder and more moisturizing. Other PLANT body wash scents offered are CALM DOWN, with ginger and lavender essential oils, and GET HAPPY, with the essential oils of peppermint and geranium.

At $20 a bottle, these body washes are on the pricier side, but organic ingredients aren't cheap! But, didn't you already know that you get what you pay for?

Oct 2, 2013

So lately I've been going on and on about how busy I am, but I just now realized I haven't even offered an explanation as to why. Well, folks, the story is that I'm interning for a magazine right now (YAY! Life dream semi-realized!) and we are just about to send our Winter/Spring issue to the printer and things are a little hectic. I love love love my job, but balancing it with my blog and school work is making it really difficult for me to give 100% in all three areas. But, I promise to try harder to be more dedicated to my little blog and I expect my readers, a.k.a. you fine people, to help me stick to that promise.

But enough with the mumbo jumbo, let's get on with this week's Wednesday Roundup!

Clementine Daily
As a blogger, I'm always on the lookout for exciting new websites to read for inspiration and I'm excited to share one of my new faves with you today! Clementine Daily, one of the internet's newest gems, is serving up daily posts for ladies seeking advice in food, style, beauty, life, etc. And don't you dare assume that their posts will be preachy like a lot of online advice columns. Not at all. In fact, reading Clementine Daily is just like having a chat with your really wise best friend.

*Photo via hayneedle.com

Oatmeal

Who knew that adding a little bit of oatmeal to your cleanser in the morning would increase the softness of your skin by like 200%? Ok, yea, maybe those numbers aren't scientifically measurable, but I gotta tell you that ever since I've started mixing oats in with my Johnson & Johnson's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash in the morning, my skin is feeling a lot smoother and definitely less irritated. The Daily Green actually has a great article on the benefits of oatmeal for the skin. Check it out here.

*Photo via helpmybudget.com

Konjac Sponges

I've discussed konjac sponges on here before, but since Boscia has introduced their own version of the Asian wonder product onto the market, I figured I should re-adress the issue. A konjac sponge is a little Asian root vegetable that is naturally alkaline and can be used to cleanse your face, with or without actual face wash. Don't be fooled by Boscia, though. Sure, they are a reputable brand and they do offer some awesome products, but their sponges are way overpriced at $18 a piece! Buy your konjac sponge here for about $10 each. Same product, better deal.

Sep 28, 2013

Okay, I'm admittedly suffering from a little illness I like to call "Blogger's Guilt", which is the result of too many days without posting an exciting post on cool new products. What kind of beauty blogger am I that I don't share right away when I've discovered some fun new products?

What products, you ask? Rooted Beauty™'sRaspberry Citrus Invigorating Facial Wipes* and Lip Butters in Razz Lime*, Orange Vanilla* and Passionfruit*, of course! And, not only does Rooted Beauty offer these great products in sustainable packaging, but they also use a portion of their profits to support their Woman2Woman Project. This project helps women from all over the world escape the horrors of poverty and human trafficking that threaten their livelihoods everyday. If there's one thing I love more than beauty products themselves, it's knowing that the products I use could potentially have a positive effect on someone's life. It's kind of empowering!

As far as the actual Rooted Beauty™products go, I am also a big fan! The Raspberry Citrus Invigorating Facial Wipes smell like one of those fruity-girly cleansers that preteens (and us adults, secretly) go nuts for. I've been toting these babies around in my schoolbag, pulling them out when things get sweaty or greasy during the day. The tangy scent and gentle formula snaps me, and my complexion, right out of any Tuesday-afternoon funk I may be in.

Compost me!

As for the Lip Butters... where do I start? These three moisturizing lip balms all smell very strongly of their respective scents, but have very little flavor. It's nice for those of us who don't like to feel like we're taking a bite into a "Razz Lime" Popsicle every time we take a sip of coffee. Plus, the tubes these lip butters come in are compostable!

If you're asking my honest opinion on Rooted Beauty™, I am going to tell you that this company offers some great products and they also support a great cause. Why wouldn't you want to buy them? To get a hold of the Rooted Beauty™ Line, click here. Happy shopping!

The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost. Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Hello, gorgeous readers! My name's Addison and I'm your resident beautyholic. Vanity Talk is where I spend the majority of my time spouting cosmetic ramblings. If you have a PR inquiry, question or just want to talk about beauty products, email me at cainaddison@yahoo.com. I always love hearing from you. Now, read on and enjoy!